₦airaland Forum

DonX001:
11. DISCIPLINE!!!!
Nothing like it. If you don't have it, forget it!

Gbam!!!

This is one of the key factors also. You must be disciplined enough to know when you are supposed to do your organic marketing, to deny yourself sleep even when your whole body is screaming "sleep", and more importantly when you need to learn something new, it takes discipline to actually take your time to do research.

topsquino:
Nice one. I hardly sleep in the night because of this tasking but lucrative online business. You are right. Nigerians are damn lazy. You will here stupid excuses like "I don't have light" "my laptop is faulty" my baby is crying" etc. Kindly throw more light on the email marketing stuff. It seems I am a learner in that field.

Yeah, online business is not for lazy people. Email marketing is great if you know how to do it right. I created a thread for it: www.nairaland.com/2535430/learn-email-marketing-businesses-free

looseweight:
Which Email market are you currently using?

Mailchimp. A bit expensive but quite reliable and flexible.

I have been running an online business for the past 2 years now and I must say the journey has not been easy.I had to learn a lot by researching, studying and seeking mentors. So far so good, I can say it's been a satisfying journey with room for improvements. Below are some things I have learned and experienced over the past two years in my online business.

1. Not for lazy people. If you are lazy then doing an online business is not meant for you. Trust me, it's harder than what people think and are meant to believe. Lazy people also seek for shortcuts and end up spending so much money, achieving little or nothing. You must read, you must research and there are somethings you must do yourself even if it gives you sleepless nights.

2. Series of sleepless nights. People who run successful online businesses rarely sleep at night. I cannot count the number of sleepless nights I have had over the years. From researching, preparing newsletters, press release, articles, responding to emails, website maintenance, planning your next promo, etc. It's a busy world out there for online entrepreneurs, but it's fun. So if you are not having sleepless nights, then you have not started.

3. Email marketing is king. No matter how much you spend on advertising, if you don't have an email subscribers list, then you are totally ignoring a goldmine. Email marketing has been existing and will continue to exist because recently I saw a survey report that calculated that email marketing might likely phase out in 2060. That's a long time from now. Just last month, I was skeptical about paying for online ads because of the unsteady exchange rates, so I opted to shake my email list a bit and guess what, over 100k came out from that little "shake" (biko don't ask for screenshot oh make dem nor begin talk say I dey show myself ). So, if you are doing an online business and you don't have a list, start building one now.

4. It's hard to retain staff. Your online business can be operated from your dining room but even at that it can grow so large (even if it's just one laptop and printer) that you will be forced to get help. The problem is not that you cannot pay them, but since they are working remotely, they can easily get "lost" in other activities and totally forget they still work for you.

5. It's cheaper to outsource work abroad. This is something I got to understand with time. Most Nigerians are lazy. They need a job, but cannot work. E.g. If I need someone to help me post an ad on 100 classified websites in 2 days, no Nigerian will do the job for less than N5,000 but I can get a Phillipine freelancer (from upwork.com) to do it for just $10.

6. Always work hard everyday. No matter how big your online business is, you still have to sit down and do some work everyday. You have to write programs everyday, you have to do organic marketing everyday, in fact the more organic marketing you do, the better your site's SEO and unique traffic.

7. Stick with one niche. If you start a business, stick with it. Stop getting distracted by other business ideas. When I receive an order from my website, in the part where I asked "How did you know about us?" The answer i get most times is "A friend". That is a client referred by another happy client. If am not consistent, I will definitely lose all those new clients referred to me! It really pays on the long run to stick to one niche.

7. Respond to ALL emails. Now this is one of the things giving us sleepless nights. Replying lots of emails. And believe me some might be so funny and uninteresting that you might be tempted to just over look such emails. Don't oh! 3 days ago, I got an email in the morning that was written in just one sentence...no big grammar and nothing fancy. I ignored it. Later at night, after dong all my work, I decided to reply the mail just for replying sake. To cut the long story short, the guy whose mail I almost ignored is now my latest client who ordered for my service all the way from Saudi Arabia.

8. Never pick calls in a noisy environment. I have lost clients by doing such. So, if you are in a noisy place, biko don't pick strange calls on your business line if you can't rush of to a quiet place. It's better to not answer the call than to create a funny impression in the minds of the caller doubting if you are for real.

9. Advertising is unavoidable. No matter the organic marketing you do, try to maintain an advertising budget. Either on NL, Google, Facebook, Radio, Newspaper, etc. Having a budget for periodic advertising cannot be overemphasized. Personally, sometimes I do it every month or every 3 months. If you do it right, and offer a reliable service or product, you MUST get alerts. Its non negotiable.

10. Innovation and promo. Always add new spices to your business. Think of new innovations that your new and existing customers will like. In fact innovation and promotions are what your old clients will keep paying you money for. Some clients have paid me more than 6 times within a 4 months period because I keep adding new stuff and promos.

I hope I have inspired someone out there. If you have your own experiences, you can add them lets all learn together.

Where do I get subscribers?

Now, this is one major questions being asked by newbies on a daily basis. Truly, if you understand where to get subscribers, then the Sky is your starting point (not your limit). In your hunt for subscribers, be carefully to attract only targeted users otherwise your journey will be fruitless. Like I said before, your list of 1000 can be more effective that those of 10,000. Depends on who are in your list.

Currently there are over 70 million Nigerians using the internet and getting just less than 1% of that figure as your customer base is something worthwhile...don't you think?

Now am going to show you where to get targeted subscribers shortly. But first, what tool do you use to get these people to subscribe?

1. Using your website.
If you have a website or blog, then you can put signup forms on it. Either as a popup or on the sides. If what you offer in your website is good enough, you will start having subscribers. The main objective of a subscriber is "Can you send me more of this?"

2. Plain URL
Every mail client has the option of obtaining subscribers with a custom url. You can distribute this URL (which contains a very short form) so individuals can sign up to what you have to offer even if you don't have a website.

My next post will throw some light on more complex ways of getting subscribers like squeeze pages, funnels, etc.

Stay tuned.

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about." - Benjamin Franklin

bykebyke:
I got one word for you.



Bosch.

Though do not expect someone getting killed at the beginning of each episode.

Bosch and castle....which is more thrilling and engaging?

Am a badass fan of this thread. Let me introduce myself by dropping my exclusive list:

Americans
Allegiance
Banshee
Once upon a time
House of cards (enjoyed just 1 and 2)
Narcos
The family
Stalker
Scorpion
Lucifer
Limitless
Second chance
The outsiders
Goodbye Mr Black
Shadow Hunters
Power
Shanarah Chronicles

which you may not have heard of, is currently accepting registration of new contractors. Operational base is an oil well situated in Delta State, and don't worry this information can't be found anywhere else.

Register on our website to get more information and details. www.officemanager.com.ng

butanep:
Who told you am looking for job? Speak for yourself. If you are looking for job, keep working free for people. You are a voluntary worker. You didn't advised them to improvised something that can generate money for them, it's working for free. Must you be a coperate worker.


You keep working for free in an organisation doesn't guarantee your place in the firm. It doesn't place you in any chance of securing job after weeks or months. It makes you look desperate to secure job at all cost and if you didn't get it, you become depressed. If you keep working for free for about six months and you can't get yourself a good shoe, hope you will be happy? Or can't even afford a good shirt. Except you are running your industrial training or there is a particular skills you want to learn from a place, the idea of working free is total crap. Who will pay your bills? Who run run your financial needs? Where will the motivation come from?

Youth should keep preparing themselves for the future. If you don't get a job, find something to do that can earn you income or learn a skill that can make you be boss of your own tomorrow. You mustn't work in a coperate firm.

Ok i hia.....cheers.

butanep:
I tire for that Op. After 5yrs in school, I should be working free of charge. People nor go say I dae under spell .

That is the biggest depression one can get after school.

Hmmm.....Oga, its not by force. These are just ways to beat the crowd. In case you don't know, there are millions looking for a job like you. If you don't find a way to improvise, then you can keep applying for jobs like the rest and hope to get lucky in a few weeks time or a few years time. Its all about your choice and the sacrifice you are willing to make to get what you want.

Adelakun2016:
I like this one.Too many bad belly people

hehehehehehe

More tips coming soonest.......

lereinter:
I will like to work for free where I can gain experience and skills than work in a lower job that can be frustrating
If u know what I mean
Lets say you work as a casual position which requires only secondary school certificate and you a degree holder

1 your colleagues may be just young secondary school holder and you among the oldest maybe more enlightened this can cause work problems
2 maybe your superior have same degree as you and you wish they afford u some respite from your colleagues which are secondary sch holders and this not happening may cause work problems

That's where humility comes in. Work on being humble and you can rise anywhere you find yourself.

okezie007:
Your write-up sounds very interesting and doable, houwever, in 9ja its just an opportunity for a prospective employer to exploit you like crazy if they give you an audience in the first place.

Well, that is the risk you just have to take. And since you are working for free, you have the right to quit anytime you like. But before quitting, ensure you leave a footprint so when they keep encountering issues no one can solve but you, they will give you a call again....but this time you negotiate pay

queenfav:
That's just it o,the working for free thing is very unrealistic. Shame sef no go catch you to tell people say u just dey go one place go work free?

My dear, shame is not something you should carry along with you these days oh...except you no wan chop. 9ja hard!!

FrankValency:
my dear naija need drastic ways to get a job, I just got a job by offering free services for 2 months, and I was recommended by the manager and today, I earn my own salary

Exactly

Santi222:
Lovely post.

Thanks mate

Thanks for your comments, even though it has distorted the sequence. Anyway, let me continue.....

Direct mailing technique.
This is a method that will work better with not so large organizations. Start-ups with good funding can be a good choice also. Now all you do is research the company very well, go to their office, visit their website, befriend any of the staff, get their annual reports, etc. The next step is to identify any problem they usually encounter. Don't be deceived, all organizations encounter issues. It might be on excess spending, payroll, networking, etc. When you identify the problem, then draft a short proposal. No much stories and ensure you go straight to the point. A two or 3 page proposal will be idle.

Now, be careful not to divulge much information or you might not be needed anymore. A proposal can be crafted in such way that the recipient will have no choice but to call you ASAP.

Final step is to package your proposal, professional resume and an application letter referencing the proposal and how you can help actualize it if approved and also that you are ready to come and give a full presentation on the proposal. Now even if the company is 3 block from you, do NOT go there to submit it. Instead, parcel it and send directly to the MD or anyone who calls the shots using DHL. On the envelop should be: ATTN: MR ANOZIE (Projects Manager/CEO). Ensure you add his position. This can be done with N2,000 or less for parceling a package within same state.

This parcel will go directly to him/her. That way, you will reach the boss without the hassle of the gateman or receptionist flinging you envelope or "forgetting" it in her drawer.

Hope this piece helps...

Go for the lowest unthinkable positions.
Have you ever walked into an Etisalat office (or any of those big companies) in Lagos and asked to be employed as an office assistant or cleaner? Annoying right? Well, if there is a way to get noticed, I think this is one of the best ways.

I believe my examples will explain my points better. I know of a young lady who works as an office assistant (messenger) in Gtbank and at the same time attending a weekend course. Well, to cut the long story short, she now works as a teller over the counter. She practically learned on the job.

Secondly, there was a guy that worked in my former place of work. He delivers documents to other companies and stuff. But guess what? he is good with computers so much so that it got to a time we stopped calling for computer engineers whenever there was any issue. He just fixed it. One day during a staff meeting, he asked his pay to be increased and his request was granted. Why? because he gave value which was costing the company money. The last I heard of him, he is in Europe on a company-sponsored 2 years training program. He still does not have a degree!

A driving position, a janitorial position, a helper on site, etc are not so great, but you will have a chance to showcase your other skills. You might help fix a software problem or help prepare a catchy presentation, or help with some budget calculation. So you never can tell which of those hidden skills can get you promoted from a janitor to a supervisor. Your choice.

Work for free.
Yes it might sound absurd, but I said it right. I know it might be a very difficult decision to make, however if you offer to work for free for 3 months, ALOT might happen. And even if you don't get retained, no worries, you have learnt some new skills and have something to brag about in your resume.

A lady came to me that she needs a job and I told her that I cannot employ her at the moment (very unfriendly economy). However, I referred her to a friend who runs a computer engineering outfit...it's small, but they have a lot of clients. I told her that she might not get paid but at least she can learn how to fix computers. She happily went over to resume working. Three weeks after her resumption, a man walked in and after a brief conversation with her, he was impressed. "What did you study?", she told him she studied Environmental Engineering at Petroleum Training Institute (PTI). Instantly the man told my friend that he is going to "steal her" so she will work in his company.

Today she moves around with a Tundra truck and driver. The company has a running contract on Crude Oil Spill clean up. She landed herself a good job by offering to work for free. Now am not saying it will be rosy for all, but if you decid to work for free for the next 3 months, ALOT can happen.

More unconventional job searching strategies coming. Stay tuned.....

If you enjoyed the first piece and interested in more, be sure to say so, then I can continue (and hope I won't be banned)

Because of the competition in job search, you do not only get to submit attractive and professional resumes, but you have to be creative! Think out of the box and be the 1% of applicants to capture the interests of recruiters. Most times, you do not need to wait for vacant positions to be announced.

Below are some unconventional methods to capture the interests of company owners and recruiters (bluechip companies, start-ups, etc);

Prepare a marketing plan
A marketing plan is a comprehensive document or blueprint that outlines a company's advertising and marketing efforts for the coming year. It describes business activities involved in accomplishing specific marketing objectives within a set time frame (lets say 3 months). Note that the marketing plan should first come in a one page concept note with highlights of projections. Leave out the detailed activities.

Search out top executives in LinkedIn (as you do not have access to their personal email addresses) and send a simple mail like this:

Hello Mr Kunle, I was just going through Dranve Limited website (or page or whatever) and decided to draw up a tentative marketing plan to increase your xyz product sales (or subscriber base) by 38% in the next 3 months. if you are interested, I can send you a brief of the marketing plan for your perusal. It won't take much of your time.

If its worth giving a shot and if you don't mind, I am willing to be a part of the team to implement this plan and if we are able to achieve 50% of set target, then maybe you can retain me full time. I have always wanted to work for Dranve Limited.

Regards.

You have to use his/her name and ensure to state the name of the company and its services/products. It shows you actually took your time in doing a research and reduces your generic look-alike letters.

Every company wants to increase sales, get new clients and remain relevant. Show them you are not just interested in collecting salary every month but actually interested in moving the company forward. Go out there, buy books, do research and learn how to prepare a marketing plan.

More strategies and methods coming up soon. If you are targeting the oil & gas, engineering, real estate industries, don't worry, there are strategies for these sectors also. Stay tuned......

http://procvnigeria.com/index.php/2016/06/30/unconventional-strategies-to-getting-a-job-fast-part-1/

cc: Lalasticlala